Strategic Creative Inspiration for Nonprofits and the Professionals Who Serve Them

“You are the Winner”: Fundraising lessons learned

A old friend of mine who works at a Catholic charity shared a letter he received from a donor several weeks ago. It read, in part:

“Last year I sent out letters to about 12 charities that I gave $50.00 or more to, and requested they acknowledge my letter regarding not sending any mail during the year with cards, crosses, statues, holy pictures and other little gifts I could not use.

“All of you replied you would do that for me. I only wanted one receipt for the donation I gave once a year, [and] nothing more, as I was getting tons of stuff that I could not keep and also cost you guys money anyway.

“Well ‘YOU ARE THE WINNER’, they kept sending me things all year. Since you did not, [you] get a donation of $600.00.”

Lessons learned? Respect your donors’ wishes, listen to what they are saying, and act accordingly to satisfy them.